Conflict-affected areas have surged by 65% in the past three years, according to Verisk Maplecroft’s Conflict Intensity Index. With this increase, 4.6% of the world’s landmass is now affected by violence, up from 2.8% in 2021. Key hotspots include Ukraine, Myanmar, the Middle East, and a conflict corridor in Africa’s Sahel region. Experts note that, even though there was a lull in conflict levels during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in violence across the world for the past decade. According to Hugo Brennan, research director at Verisk Maplecroft, the violence has hugely impacted businesses, food security, and economic growth across the world. For example, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine led to the disruption of global supply chains, including the exportation of grain to the Middle East and Africa. Experts worry the violence will further increase, particularly as a result of rising tension between Israel and Iran.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN